Believer's response to trials (Fitna)

In these days, Muslims are going through a lot of trials in many places in the world. The trials in our life are means to test our Eeman (faith) and obedience to Allah Almighty and to seek reward in this world and the hereafter. How we can keep our heart firm with faith and bear trials with patient and stay positive during time of calamities?

Every Muslim who believe truly in Allah should know that all matters happened by the will of Allah. Allah says:

قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّـهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَانَا”

“وَعَلَى اللَّـهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُون

“Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (At-Tawbah:51).

All calamities and tribulations happen so Allah can test who is true believer. Allah says: “Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (Al-Ankabout:1-2).Thus, trough trials, one should have patient because one can be afflicted by disease, loss of member of family, loss of wealth as Allah Almighty say:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,” (Al-Baqara:155).

Corona virus is one of the trials that are spreading in every country; people are dying and the number of people getting sick is in increase which make everyone so scared. When the prophet (Pbuh) was asked about plague, he said: “It is a punishment that Allah sends upon whoever he wills, but Allah has made it a mercy for the believers. Any servant who resides in a land afflicted by plague, remaining patient and hoping for reward from Allah, knowing that nothing will befall him but what Allah has decreed, he will be given the reward of a martyr.” (Al-Bukhari).

Sometimes calamities come because of the sin of people as Allah says: “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (Al-Shoora: 30). So Allah punishes people with calamities that they may return in repentance. Allah says: And indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allah) with submission to Him” (Al-Mu’minoon:76).

It is part of the mercy of Allah that disasters befall sinners in this world, so that their souls might be purified and they might come back to Allah before they die. Allah says: “And verily, We will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islam)” (al-Sajdah:21).

True believer should turn to Allah with repentance, obedience and following what Allah commanded us to do and stay away from what Allah prohibited us from. The prophet (Peace be upon him) said to his cousin Ibn Abbas:  “Young man, I will teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find him before you. If you ask, ask from Allah. If you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if the nations gathered together to benefit you, they will not benefit you unless Allah has decreed it for you. And if the nations gathered together to harm you, they will not harm you unless Allah has decreed it for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” (At-Tirmithi).

True believer should seek help from Allah by remembering Him morning and evening. The prophet (Peace be upon him) taught us how we can protect ourselves by making supplication. Some of the Du’aa one can make:

بسم الله الذي لا يضر مع اسمه شيء في الأرض ولا في السماء وهو السميع العليم، ثلاث مرات،  لم يضره شيء"‏"

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who recites three times every morning and evening: 'Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma'as-mihi shai'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i, wa Huwas-Sami'ul-'Alim (In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All- Knowing),' nothing will harm him. )At-Tirmithi).

And He (pbuh) said: "He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Al-Bukhari).

Ibn 'Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah, May Allah blesses him and grants him peace, did not omit saying the following words in the morning and evening: "O Allah, I ask you for well-being in this world and the Next. O Allah, I ask you for forgiveness and well-being in my deen and in this world and in my family and my property. O Allah, veil my faults and calm my fears. O Allah, give me protection in front of me and behind me, on my right and my left and above me. I seek refuge by Your might from being overwhelmed from under me." (Al-Albani).

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ‏.‏ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ، وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي‏.‏ اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي، وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي‏.‏ اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي، وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي، وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي‏.‏

Scholars say that means: safety from sickness and calamities; or not being tested by them, and being granted patience in bearing them and acceptance of divine decree.